OPINION:
John F. Kennedy’s 1956 Pulitzer’s Prize-winning book, “Profiles in Courage,” should be a mandatory read for all incoming members of Congress. The book poses a very important question that we all will face throughout our lifetime: ethics.
Ethics is what separates mankind from non-human species.
Kennedy’s book focuses on eight courageous U.S. senators: John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, Thomas Hart Benton, Sam Houston, Edmund G. Ross, Lucius Lamar, George Norris and Robert A. Taft. These men took unpopular stances that went against party lines, benefactors, constituents or public opinion and could have led to political suicide.
But each senator believed he they had to do what was morally right despite opposition.
President Trump targeted Rep. Thomas Massie, Kentucky Republican, during last month’s primary elections in that state, which resulted in Mr. Massie’s defeat by primary challenger Ed Gallrein. Mr. Trump also targeted Sen. Bill Cassidy, Louisiana Republican, over Mr. Cassidy’s past vote to convict the former president — and Mr. Cassidy’s challenger, Rep. Julia Letlow, won that primary.
Brad Raffensperger, Georgia secretary of state, lost his bid for Georgia governor when Mr. Trump backed challenger Burt Jones because Mr. Raffensperger had refused to find Mr. Trump 11,780 votes during the 2020 presidential election.
Four brave House Republicans — Mr. Massie, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett and Warren Davidson — crossed party lines to vote for the passage of the War Powers Act. Doing the right thing — and going against your political party — can have political costs.
We can only hope and believe that our elective representatives will have the virtue to do what’s best for our nation.
LEE R. PITTS
Orlando, Florida
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